Man sought for disabling ‘critical’ California wildfire detection equipment, police say

Irvine police are searching for a man they say damaged and disabled wildfire detection equipment in open space in the southern part of the city, officials said this week.

In a post on social media, police said the devices “are critical to keeping our community safe,” while also posting photos of a man appearing to tamper with pieces of equipment on poles.

We are trying to identify this man who has been damaging and disabling advanced wildfire detection equipment in the open space near Lake Forest and Bake Parkway. If you have information, please email ipdpio@cityofirvine.org. pic.twitter.com/u3VaCxlx76

— Irvine Police Department (@IrvinePolice) March 6, 2024

When the incidents took place was not immediately known, but the photos appear to show the same man wearing two different sets of clothes. In some photos, he walks or rides a bicycle along trails, while in others he is seen reaching for equipment, which is located near Bake Parkway and Lake Forest Drive, police said.

The man is seen wearing cargo shorts with a navy blue long-sleeve shirt in one instance, and cargo shorts with a white t-shirt in the other.

Police declined to discuss any additional details on Thursday.